Nakhchivan is one of the most ancient and interesting cities of Azerbaijan in terms of ancient architecture and fortresses. Right, many attractions are outside the city. But it's worth taking the time to see them. After all, every archaeological monument in Nakhchivan is a real historical gem.
Thus, one of the oldest historical monuments preserved until today in Nakhchivan is the Mausoleum of Yusif ibn Kuseyir (Yusif Küseyir oğlu türbəsi).
This is a rare case, but scientists know both the almost exact date of creation of this beautiful mausoleum (1161-1162) and the name of the architect. All these data, as well as the personal seal of the creator, are on one of the walls of the tomb.
The author of this miracle was a well-known local architect at the time, Ajami ibn Abubakr Nakhchivani. He built a large number of monuments, mausoleums, and palaces. Unfortunately, only documentary evidence of most of his works has survived to this day. The only existing building is the Mausoleum of Yusif ibn Kuseyir.
The extant mausoleum is not very large. It is made of fired bricks of different shades, which gives the tomb a beautiful appearance. The shape of the mausoleum is an octagon that ends with an elegant stone pyramid resembling a tent.
The entire upper part of the building is decorated with religious quotations made in the Kufic style, so a person who is not familiar with this script may think that the walls of the tomb are decorated with elaborate ornamentation.
Inside, the mausoleum is traditionally divided into two parts: upper and lower, the actual tomb and the ritual hall. The ceiling of the hall has the shape of a spherical dome made of brick, which was considered an innovative approach at the time.
The entrance to the mausoleum deserves special attention. It is made in a style that differs from the general concept and is a kind of portal that seems to transport visitors from the world of the living to the world of the dead. Although this format of entrance doors was quite common in tombs of the 12th century, only the entrance to the Mausoleum of Yusif ibn Kuseyir has such a beautiful ornamental decoration and grace.